Following is a comment LTravis left on Jeff's blog. Clicking the link at the bottom of the comment will bring you to the original site.
COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF HOW THE CULTS OPERATE
For abusive cults, the key word is CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL
by Submitting to the Leadership - leaders tend to be the absolute end, looked to as prophets of God, as specially anointed apostles.
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| Kow tow: We all bow down! |
Or they can be a strong, controlling, manipulative personality who demands submission even if he changes his views or conflicts occur in doctrine or behavior.
sometimes they can be looked on as God Himself.
Often to obey a leader and their teaching is equal to obeying God.
**"If you have a problem with me, you have a problem with God."--r w davis**
It can take time for them to gain power over the new convert, but it will eventually be there.
Control is usually overwhelming and can cover most aspects of the followers' lives:
Dress codes, activities, finances, time, possessions and relationships.
They can dictate to the member who to see, what to do, what is the right thing to say, and how to say it.
Various degrees of control can be experienced, from subtle manipulation to blatant ordering.
They will expect Rigid obedience of the members time and activities - involving their followers in physically and emotionally draining activities leaving little time for privacy and reflection, or questioning their authority.
Expecting one to show up when everyone else does, and everything is usually done in groups.
The methods of control which are used is usually FEAR of displeasing God the leader or both.
Fear of rejection, punishment, losing ones salvation, missing the rapture, going to hell.
Guilt, Fear, intimidation are Weapons used to maintain their loyalty and devotion to the group.
Intimidation and accusation are the most often used. For example, any questioning of authority is treated as rebellion, and not trusting.
They suppress questions and conform to the groups behavior. They Discourage Critical or Rational Thought and Questions they will reply with comments like,
"Satan is the cause of all doubt; he is keeping you from the Truth,"
or it will take time to understand the deep things of God.
Critical thinking is discouraged being called prideful or sinful or rebellious.
No independent thinking is encouraged.
**quote by r w davis and image added by Don and Ange**
